Microgreens
85-95days to harvest
2-4days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Soak hulled sunflower seeds 8-12 hours, rinse, then sow on growing medium. Weight down during blackout period.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil
Well-draining potting mix or coconut coir blend
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Spacing
Dense seeding, 1.5-2 oz seeds per 10x20 tray
Height
1-10 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Pale green to yellow stems with green cotyledons
Size
35-48"
Shape
Sturdy shoots with large, oval cotyledons
Flavour
Nutty, slightly sweet with a satisfying crunch

In the kitchen

Salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, avocado toast, protein bowls

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Fungus gnats, aphids in indoor environments
Diseases
Damping off, mold from poor ventilation or overwatering
Resistance
Resistant to most diseases when grown with proper air circulation

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1January – December——January – December
2January – December——January – December
3January – December——January – December
4January – December——January – December
5January – December——January – December
6January – December——January – December
7January – December——January – December
8January – December——January – December
9January – December——January – December
10January – December——January – December
11January – December——January – December
12January – December——January – December
13January – December——January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids and thrips that commonly attack microgreens, aromatic compounds may enhance growth
ChivesNatural fungicide properties help prevent damping-off disease common in microgreen production
MarigoldReleases compounds that deter spider mites and aphids while reducing soil-borne pathogens
LettuceSimilar growing conditions and nutrient requirements, compatible root systems
CilantroAttracts beneficial insects and has similar water and light requirements
Radish MicrogreensCompatible growth rates and harvesting schedule, may improve soil aeration
ParsleyHelps repel pests and has complementary nutrient uptake patterns
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, edible flowers complement microgreen dishes

Avoid

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit seed germination and early growth
Black WalnutReleases juglone toxin that severely stunts growth and causes wilting
MintAggressive root system competes for nutrients and can overwhelm delicate microgreen roots

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
18.9
Fat (g)
48.4
Carbohydrate (g)
24.5
Fibre (g)
7.22
Calcium (mg)
116
Iron (mg)
4.37
Magnesium (mg)
302
Phosphorus (mg)
732
Potassium (mg)
657
Zinc (mg)
5.58
Selenium (µg)
17.8

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the microgreens growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Sunflower Microgreens?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other microgreens with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Sunflower Microgreens suits these too.

Browse all 57 microgreens